Harry C. Adriance

He distinguished himself under enemy fire at Tientsin, China

Harry Chapman Adriance was born on October 27, 1864, in Oswego, New York. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Boston on June 15, 1898. After duty at the New York Navy Yard, he arrived at Cavite in the Philippines on September 21, 1899. He served as a corporal in the China Relief Expedition from June to October 1900.

On July 13, 1900, Adriance fought near Tientsin, China, during the Boxer Rebellion. His Medal of Honor citation recognized his meritorious conduct in the presence of the enemy. The award commemorated his distinguished service during that battle.

Adriance received the Medal of Honor on March 24, 1902. After returning to Cavite, he transferred to the Brooklyn Navy Yard in July 1902 and was discharged as a sergeant in June 1903. He re-enlisted three weeks later. A contested court-martial concerning theft charges resulted in a bad conduct discharge and reduction to private on September 7, 1904.

He died in a Coney Island hospital on January 25, 1934, aged 69. He was cremated; no burial location is established. An effort by the Marine Corps League to upgrade his discharge began in the late 1980s, but its outcome is not established.

Medal of Honor Citation

In the presence of the enemy during the battle near Tientsin, China, 13 July 1900, Adriance distinguished himself by meritorious conduct.